What kind of wine is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Vicoregio 36' 2020 - Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Vicoregio 36' 2020 - Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli represents the essence of Tuscan tradition combined with a constant pursuit of excellence. It is a red wine of extraordinary balance, produced entirely from Sangiovese grapes sourced from a careful selection of 36 different biotypes grown in the Vicoregio cru. This genetic diversity gives the wine a unique aromatic and gustatory complexity, an authentic expression of the Castellina in Chianti territory.

The result is a Chianti Classico with an elegant and structured body, capable of combining intensity and finesse, bearing the unmistakable signature of the Mazzei family, historic interpreters of Tuscan Sangiovese.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with a warm but not extreme summer and an excellent balance between the sugar and phenolic ripeness of the grapes. The mild weather during harvest allowed for the collection of healthy, aromatic bunches, with ripe and well-integrated tannins. The result is a wine of great harmony, where freshness and roundness coexist naturally.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Vicoregio 36' 2020 takes place in steel tanks, with controlled fermentations that preserve the aromatic purity of Sangiovese and allow for perfect color and tannin extraction. Maceration, the phase in which the skins remain in contact with the must, lasts about 18-20 days to achieve structure and complexity.

Aging continues for approximately 20 months in 500-liter oak barrels, a format that allows the wine to evolve slowly, enriching itself with spicy notes while maintaining elegance and freshness. This is followed by a further period in the bottle to refine the aromas and softness.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, it presents an intense and luminous ruby red with subtle garnet reflections, a sign of maturity and concentration.

Aroma

The nose offers a complex and harmonious profile: notes of ripe cherry, violet, and small red fruits emerge, accompanied by delicate nuances of sweet spices and balsamic hints. Evolving notes of subtle vanilla and fine tobacco complete the aromatic picture.

Taste

On the palate, it is elegant, enveloping, and remarkably balanced. The tannins, the element responsible for the dry sensation and structure, are fine and well-integrated. The vibrant acidity provides freshness and verve, while the long and savory finish confirms the wine's noble character.

Food Pairings for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Vicoregio 36' 2020 - Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli

This Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is an ideal companion for great Tuscan cuisine and flavorful dishes. To best appreciate it, it is recommended to pair it with:

• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Rich stews and braises
• Fresh pasta with wild boar ragu
• Aged cheeses or Tuscan pecorino

Its elegance and strength also make it perfect as a meditation wine, to be savored slowly to discover its full complexity.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Vicoregio 36' 2020 - Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli

To preserve the qualities of this great red wine, it is important to store it in a cool, stable environment, away from direct light and with controlled humidity around 70%. The ideal temperature is between 12 and 16 °C (53-61 °F).

Thanks to its structure and well-balanced tannic content, 'Vicoregio 36' has excellent aging potential. Stored correctly, it can evolve in the bottle for over 10 years, developing further complexity and more mature and enveloping aromatic nuances, thus enhancing its most authentic and refined soul.